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Westport, MA

Frequently asked questions

Westport, MA

Westport is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 16,339 at the 2020 census.

The village of North Westport lies in the town. Other named areas of the town are "Westport Point," which has a dock on the Westport River where Main Road meets the river; "Central Village" with town offices, retail stores, and businesses; "Head of Westport" at the head of the east branch of the river; and the area referred to either as "Acoaxet" or "Westport Harbor," which is between the west branch of the river and Rhode Island. 

This area is cut off from the rest of Massachusetts by water and Rhode Island. Westport is a part of the South Coast region of Massachusetts which encompasses the cities and towns that surround Buzzards Bay (excluding the Elizabeth Islands, Bourne, and Falmouth), Mount Hope Bay, and the Sakonnet River.

Westport was so named because it was the westernmost port in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was first settled by English colonists in 1670 as a part of Old Dartmouth by members of the Sisson family. The river, and the land around it, were called "Coaksett" in the original deed; the name, now spelled "Acoaxet," now refers to the southwestern community along the western branch of the Westport River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 64.4 square miles (167 km2), of which 50.1 square miles (130 km2) is land and 14.3 square miles (37 km2), or 22.27%, is water. The majority of that water area is from the Watuppa Ponds along the border with Fall River, as well as Westport Harbor, where the two branches of the Westport River meet before emptying into Rhode Island Sound. Westport is bordered by Fall River to the northwest and west, Dartmouth to the east, Rhode Island Sound to the south, and Little Compton, Adamsville, and Tiverton, Rhode Island, to the west. Westport is approximately 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and approximately 60 miles (97 km) south of Boston.

There are several unofficial localities within the town: Head of Westport, South Westport, Westport Point, Central Village, North Westport (known in former times as Westport Factory), and Westport Harbor which is also often called Acoaxet, an early name. Because of the west branch of the Westport River, Acoaxet is inaccessible by land except by passing through Adamsville, Rhode Island.

Westport places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Carney Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Element Fitness provides a fully equipped gym and various fitness classes to keep you in shape. For a relaxing spa experience, visit Four Elements Salon and Spa which offers personalized massage services. Fitness enthusiasts can join Ironbeard Yoga for invigorating yoga sessions tailored to all levels. The Westport Recreation Department provides various fitness programs, including Zumba and Pilates classes. Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking and nature walks at Horseneck Beach State Reservation, which offers beautiful coastal trails. For those interested in holistic health, Westport Apothecary provides natural remedies and wellness products. 

Top sites in Westport, MA are Mill Pond Conservation Area, Acoaxet Club, and Mass Audubon's Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.

Population: 16,461 (2023). ZIP code: 02790. Area code: 508, 774. Elevation: 50 ft (15 m). Area:  64.4 square miles (167 km2).

FAQs

Is Westport, Massachusetts a wealthy town?

Westport is a medium-sized coastal town (i.e. on the ocean, a bay, or inlet) located in the state of Massachusetts. With a population of 16,413 people and three associated neighborhoods, Westport is the 123rd largest community in Massachusetts. The per capita income in Westport in 2018 was $50,859, which is middle income relative to Massachusetts, and wealthy relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $203,436 for a family of four. However, Westport contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

Is Westport, MA a nice town?

Westport is a city located in Bristol County with an estimated population of 16,465 according to the 2019 census. The city offers its residents plenty of amenities such as schools, parks, and libraries that they can use for leisure or educational purposes plus numerous restaurants and retail stores offering visitors items to purchase or enjoy during their visit. Large metro area set in the coastal plains and woodlands of New England. Primary industries include healthcare and education.

What towns border Westport, MA?

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 64.4 square miles (167 km2), of which 50.1 square miles (130 km2) is land and 14.3 square miles (37 km2), or 22.27%, is water. The majority of that water area is from the Watuppa Ponds along the border with Fall River, as well as Westport Harbor, where the two branches of the Westport River meet before emptying into Rhode Island Sound. Westport is bordered by Fall River to the northwest and west, Dartmouth to the east, Rhode Island Sound to the south, and Little Compton and Tiverton, Rhode Island, to the west. Westport is approximately 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and approximately 60 miles (97 km) south of Boston.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Westport

Best Places

Neighborhood Scout

Mill Pond Conservation Area

Acoaxet Club

Mass Audubon's Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

Carney Hospital 

Element Fitness

Four Elements Salon and Spa

Ironbeard Yoga

Horseneck Beach State Reservation

Westport Apothecary

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.